Bitcoin Reserves Hit 5-Year Low as $2.15B Exits Exchanges – Bulls Quietly Loading the Spring Below $100K 
Trello Outage Disrupts Users as Access Issues Hit Atlassian’s Work Management Platform 
Silver Spikes to $62.89 on Fed Cut – But Weekly Bearish Divergence Flashes Caution: Don’t Chase, Wait for the Dip 
Intel’s Testing of China-Linked Chipmaking Tools Raises U.S. National Security Concerns 
SpaceX Insider Share Sale Values Company Near $800 Billion Amid IPO Speculation 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
EU Court Cuts Intel Antitrust Fine to €237 Million Amid Long-Running AMD Dispute 
SpaceX Reportedly Preparing Record-Breaking IPO Targeting $1.5 Trillion Valuation 
ETH Bulls Smash Trendline – $4,000 Next as Whale Squeeze Tightens 
China Adds Domestic AI Chips to Government Procurement List as U.S. Considers Easing Nvidia Export Curbs 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Airline Loyalty Programs Face New Uncertainty as Visa–Mastercard Fee Settlement Evolves 
Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Sparks Global Debate and Early Challenges 
Westpac Director Peter Nash Avoids Major Investor Backlash Amid ASX Scrutiny 
Morgan Stanley analysts have highlighted Japanese equities set to benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) advancements or remain resilient against market disruption. Their research focuses on companies categorized as "Adopters," which leverage AI for efficiency, and "Protected" firms, which maintain strong pricing power with minimal AI exposure.
Sony Group Corp (NYSE:SONY) and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc (NYSE:SMFG) received "Overweight" ratings due to their high AI integration. Sony, with a market cap of 20.6 trillion yen ($138 billion), and Sumitomo Mitsui, valued at 15.3 trillion yen, are expected to capitalize on AI-driven efficiencies. Security firm Sohgo Security Services Co Ltd (TYO:2331) and recruitment agency Jac Recruitment Co Ltd (TYO:2124) were also cited for their strategic AI applications.
Among the "Protected" stocks, Kao Corp. (TYO:4452) and NEC Corp. (TYO:6701) stand out for their stable business models and strong pricing power, making them reliable investments amid AI-driven volatility. Japan Airlines Co Ltd (TYO:9201) and Kyushu Railway Co (TYO:9142) were also noted for their insulation from AI disruption.
This analysis follows China’s DeepSeek launching cost-efficient AI tools, which Morgan Stanley’s U.S. semiconductor team believes could accelerate AI adoption in Japan without impacting hyperscaler investments.
With AI reshaping industries, Morgan Stanley advises monitoring upcoming earnings from U.S. tech giants for potential ripple effects on Japanese equities. Analysts expect "Adopters" and "Protected" stocks to outperform broader indices over the next 12–24 months. Investors are increasingly focused on firms well-positioned to harness AI-driven opportunities or mitigate risks, reinforcing Japan’s growing prominence in the global AI landscape.
